an entrepeneur’s life: Norm Miller, Beyond the Norm

Although this reviewer’s background and education were scant preparation for it, my work brings me into regular contact with (mostly American) entrepeneurs whose lives are testimony to the power that possibility still holds in this country. One of them is the chairman of the board I serve with Overseas Council, Norm Miller.

Norm’s 1996 self-told story is a thrilling read for me because of the honesty with which he describes his pilgrimage and the angle that experience has given to me from which to corroborate his narrative. It’s the real thing.

Norm presided over Dallas-based Interstate Batteries’ rise to prominence and big-time commercial success as ‘America’s number one replacement battery’. If the business’ rise was something close to meteoric, the author’s own path was shaped by numerous zigs and zags. Norm does not hide these. In fact, he believes that a tastefully framed ‘full disclosure’ approach to telling his story is the most accurate way to underscore the divine mercies that shaped a life (and more!) while a business was finding its way forward.

Beyond the Norm is an inspiring read, not because the flaws and defects have been airbrushed out but precisely because they’ve been left in. Number one, indeed.